By the looks of it, the toughness depends on the weather. The bike and run courses are relatively flat so on a good day without wind I would have thought it offers the potential for a good time.

That said, if the wind is blowing (as it is today - gale force 8), the ride and run along the East coast of the island would be quite miserable.

I'm thinking the name merely stems as a little play on the granite rock that makes up much of the islands geology and was widely exported many many years ago. Of course, the islands other main historical exports were flowers and tomatoes.

Of course, the Tomato / Flower Man doesn't tend to carry the same gravitas or appeal, does it.

I'm on the island visiting the folks for Xmas and "enjoyed" a 15 min paddle this morning. Naturally I wore a wet suit and was made to feel quite silly when a pair of 60+ year old ladies got into the water in nothing but an old fasioned all in one bathing suit and matching flowered swim caps.

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